June 1998
"An Offer They Can't Refuse "
International President Thomas D. Jordan, former Vice President of Membership for his chapter at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, has uncovered reasons why eligible students at his campus accept--and don't accept--membership in Phi Theta Kappa. Here he shares his suggestions for helping YOUR chapter significantly increase your membership acceptance rate.
Phi Theta Kappans have begun our transitions that take place every year as outgoing officers pass the gavel to their successors. As International Officers, my fellow officers and I are excited to continue laying down the tracks that former officers and members have helped to lay. In that transition, I would like to discuss one of my favorite issues and share with current chapter officers and advisors how I believe we can increase membership and participation.
When I was Vice President of Membership, I learned many secrets that allowed us to prosper and triple not only our membership, but participation within our chapter. Initially, I was unhappy with the response of the invitation letter that my chapter had used for years. I wasn't sure exactly why I wasn't getting the response I wanted, so I decided to seek out the answers.
I created a committee that made over 300 phone calls to potential members. The committee made lists of the reasons why people weren't accepting membership. After ranking the reasons, I approached the advisors and officers of my chapter and persuaded them to allow me to send out a new letter of invitation. (More)
